Get a taste of India without leaving St. Augustine, from 1 to 5 p.m. March 16 during the 8th Annual Festival of the Chariots & Ratha Yatra Parade, an Indian multi-cultural extravaganza that will take place in the Plaza de la Constitucion, between King Street and Cathedral Place.

There will be family-friendly activities and entertainment including live music, classical Indian dance and books. The big draw is the vegetarian food — a feast served free of charge to all.

The procession route is about a mile long and can be easily walked by all age groups. It begins at 1 p.m. at the Plaza and returns to the same location.

The procession’s unique feature is a huge chariot with a blue, red and yellow canopy decorated with swans, lotus flowers, flags, Hanuman and a brass chakra on top. This chariot has two very thick ropes attached to it that are more than 100 feet long. These ropes are pulled by the parade-goers, propelling the chariot along the parade route.

Riding on the chariot are the Deities of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra, decorated with silk outfits and real flowers.

Accompanying the procession is lively Indian music and dancing, backed by double-headed mrdanga drums and karatala hand cymbals.

All are warmly invited to attend this joyous, colorful festival, free of charge. Take advantage of a rare chance to experience the vibrancy of India, right here in Florida.